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FM urges new Prime Minister to ‘turn his commitment to devolution into action’

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 12:32, Tuesday July 21st, 2026.
Last updated: 12:32, Tuesday July 21st, 2026

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First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, left, and Makerfield MP Andy Burnham
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, left, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham

New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has spoken to Wales’ First Minister for the first time since entering 10 Downing Street.

The former Mayor of Greater Manchester spoke over the phone to Rhun ap Iorwerth, along with the First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister said he was serious about creating a new politics – rooted in finding common ground based on collaborative, practical and pragmatic relations with the heads of the devolved governments. 

“Working in partnership, the Prime Minister said together they could drive deeper devolution to all parts of the United Kingdom to get growth going.”

Mr Burnham, according to the spokesperson, said he was focused on “practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums”.

They added: “The Prime Minister said he looked forward to meeting with the heads of the devolved governments soon and visiting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland shortly.”

Following that conversation, Mr ap Iorwerth said he congratulated Mr Burnham and hopes the pair can “build a positive and productive relationship” – and said he hopes to meet with Mr Burnham in person “very soon”.

The Plaid Cymru leader said: “I urged [Mr Burnham] to turn his commitment to devolution into action by giving Wales the powers we need to improve outcomes for all our communities on policing, justice, the Crown Estate, rail and on funding.

“I also conveyed my eagerness to work with him to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.”

Plaid Cymru’s independence dilemma – from protest to power

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